Selecting your wedding officiant is an important decision – after all, they will have a huge influence on the tone of the ceremony. You’ll want to make sure that you find someone who is willing to perform the kind of ceremony you are envisioning, or who has a style and belief system similar to your own. And of course, if you want to make it legal, you’ll need to make sure that they are legally able to marry you in your state.

The first thing you and your intended bride or groom must do is decide if you want a religious or secular ceremony. This highly personal decision will obviously impact who will marry you. Secondly, your wedding planner should have experience with officiants that are fitting for your union- they have excellent recommendations with personal relationships that can make sure you have the right person for your special day.

Questions to ask your prospective officiant:

How much are we allowed to customize the ceremony? Can we write our own vows?

Will you marry us even if we are not current members of your church/synagogue/etc? How do we become members?

If we are of different faiths, or one of us is not religious, is that a problem?

One of us is divorced, does your religion allow you to marry us?

Are we required to attend any classes or counseling before the wedding?

Will our non-religious friends be allowed to participate in the ceremony, including giving readings, singing, or (if appropriate) taking communion?